Calculating- machik s



June 17 1924. 1,498,39

W. H. SMITH CALCULAT I NG MACHI NE Filed Nov. l2 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet l :une 17, 1924. 1,498,309

w. H. ASMITH CALCULATING MACHINE 5y M, 010%M1/M June 17 1924. 1.498.309

vv.kL SNHTH CALCULATING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12. 1920 s Smeets-sheet .application filed November 12 T 0 @ZZ whom t may concern.:

Be it known that l, lWILLIAM H. SMrTH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Calculating Machines, of which the following is a speciiication.

This invention relates to improvements in calculating machines, and more particularly tocalculating machines of the character described in my prior Patent 1,188,108, dated .l une 20, 1916, one object of the present invention being to improve and simplify the construction and operation of said patented machine.

These calculating machines are devised primarily for adding or subtracting common fractions, and are found very useful in engineering iields, although their utility is, obviously, not'limited to suoli use. Broadly stated, these machines comprise a plurality of concentrically-arranged 'stylus-operated disks, one a fraction disk and the other an integer disk, connecting means between the disks being provided, whereby each time the fractions being added on the fraction disk total one inch such total is automatically carried or transferred to the integer disk and there registered. Associated with these disks are two plates, each provided with graduations positioned for cooperation with the stylus-receiving perforations in said disks, said graduations on each plate being identical, those on one plate, however, being arranged reversely with respect to those on the other plate, so that one of said plates may be employed for addition work and the other for subtraction.

ln my prior device the transfer mechanism for carrying inches from the fraction disk to the integer disk was so constructed and arranged that the said disks were capable of rotation in one direction only, i. e. counter clockwise, this arrangement being such that the record obtained when adding was correct on both the fraction and inte er disks, but when subtracting only the fraction disk could be used, as the carrying could only be effected in the adding direction, and hence the integer disk would read as if added, instead of subtracted.

In my present invention it is contemplated to provide in a calculating machine of the character described improved carrying mechanism whereby the fraction and MIAC integer disks are capable of rotation in either direction tc record correctly he results of computations, whether the latter be addition or subtraction. Another object of the invention is to "irovide improved retaining and aliniiig means for cooperation with the disks, said means operating conjunction with the carrying mechanism to ensureagainst accidental displacement of said disks. The invention also contemplates the provision of means for rendering the integer disk-retaining means inoperative during each transfer operation, thus greatly decreasing the load which would otherwise be imposed upon the carrying mechanism. Another object is to improve the construction of the casing of the machine and the relative arrangement of parts therein.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein one form of the invention is illustrated.

ln the drawings- Fig. 1 is a plan view of the machine with the cover in raised position;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4--4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 -is a detail View of the transfer mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the subtracting plate;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the integer and fraction disks in plan; and

Fig. 8 is a section taken on line 8 3 in. Fig. 7.

Referring more in detail to the drawings, the outside casing of the machine is designated as 10, and ispreferably constructed of cast metal, saidcasing comprising a bottom portion 10, front andrear walls and 10c, respectively, and side walls 10d. circular depression 10e is provided substantially centrally within the casing, which is defined by an upstanding wall extending around the casing adjacent the outer boundaries thereof. This wall terminates short of the front wall 10b of the casing, and the intermediate space 10t is in the form of a groove extending from one side of the casing to the other and designed to receive the operating instrument or stylus when not in use. Communicating with this groove, adjacent each end thereof, are finger grooves S, these latter being formed in the upstanding inner Wall of the casing which defines the circular depression 10e.

Centrally disposed Within the depression 10e is an upstanding post 10h, said post being preferably formed integrally with the bottom wall 10a of the casing. Arranged Within the casing for rotation about the post are tivo concentric superimposed disks 11 and 12. the former being carried by a tubular hub which engages about the post 10, the disk 12 being also carried by a tubular hub, which latter hub engages around the hub of disk 11, as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

These disks are held in position upon the post 10h by means of a circular plate 13, which is secured to the upper end of said post by means of a large headed screw 14, said disks being thus held in position against longitudinal movement on said post between plate l13 and the enlarged annular base ofthe post.

The disks 11 and 12 are provided adjacent their peripheries with spaced perforations 11*l and 12, respectively, the disk 11 being of such diameter as to expose the perforations 12a ,beyond the periphery thereof, said perforations being accessible for 'engagement by a pointed instrument, such as a pencil or the like, to rotate the same through an annular opening 15', which is formed between the periphery of the plate 13 and the circular opening formed in the plate 16. This latter plate, as Awill beobserved from the drawings, fits down upon the top of the circula-1' Wall which defines the central depression 106, and is preferably secured in position by means of some suitable retaining device, such as screws or the like. A movable stop arm 17 is operatively mounted on the plate 13, as at 17a, and projects from one side of the periphery of said plate across the annular opening 15, said arm terminating within a notch 16al provided in the plate 16, the end Walls of said notch determining the extent of movement of said stop arm about its pivot 17, This arm 17 serves as a stop for the` operating stylus engaging the perforationslla and 12a`of the disks during the operation of the device, as Will be hereinafter described.

There are sixty-four perforations pro* vided in each of the disks 11 and l2, and arranged upon the upper side ot the disk 12, opposite the perforations therein, are fractional numerals ivhich include all of the common fractions from one sixty-fourth to sixty three sixty-fourths, being arranged on said disk in succession and in annular formation, so as to be successively exposed at the sight opening 16h, formed in the plate 16, when said disk is rotated, said fractions progressing upon said disk 'in a Aclockwise direction. In the use of the device these fractions are presumed to indicate fractions of inches.

Arranged upon the upper side of the disk 11, opposite or corresppnding with the perforations 11a. are numerals running from zero to sixty-three, which in the employment of the device are presumed to indicate inches. Also arranged upon the upper side 'of the disk 11, adjacent the inch indications, are numerals which express the inches in feet and inches, so that fifty-four inches is also expressed as 4 6, meaning four feet six inches, as clearly shown in Fig. 7. The plate 13 is provided with a sight opening 13a, through which the latter numerals are displayed.

Fixed to the lower end of the hubof disk 11 is a gear Wheel 11b, Which meshes with the pinion 18a carried on the inner end of the shaft 18, the latter being journalled inl a suitable bearing sleeve or bracket 19, the

lower half of which is formed integrally With the bottom Wall of the casing, While the top or upper part thereof is removably secured in position by means of suitable screws 19a. Another pinion 18b is carried at the outer end of the shaft 18, this pinion being provided with the same number of teeth as the pinion 1-8, but being in practice slightly smaller in diameter, for purposes which Will hereinafter appear. The tubular hub of the disk 12, as Will be observed from Fig. 2, carries at its lower` end a plate 20, which Will be hereinafter termed thc carrying plate. Fixed to the under side of the disk 12 is a plate 21, which serves to close the inner ends of the perforations 12" provided in said disk, and thus prevent the entrance of dirt or dust into the interior of the casing. Further, said plate serves to limit the extent of insertion of the operating stylus which is employed in adjusting or manipulating said disks, and to prevent the inner end of the stylus from projecting in- Wardly to suc-h an extent as to tamper or interfere with the mechanism below said disks. This plate 21 is of slightly greater diameter than the disk 12 and rests upon the annular shoulder 10 provided in the top of the inner Wall which defines the central depression 10e.' In this manner said plate is supported,

. and in turn serves as a support for other parts of the mechanism. preventing sagging,

which might otherwise result from con.

tinued use of the device.

Mounted on the upper side of the carrying plate 2O is a gear Wheel 12b, the latter being spaced from the plate 21 by means of a suitable washer or disk 22.

As shown in the drawings the parts just y described, i. e. the disk 12, plate 21, Washer 22, gear Wheel 12b, and carrying plate 20, are

yreading of disk 12.

all firmly secured together by means of rivets 23, the tubular hub of disk 12 accommodating this entire unit, so that the same may be revolved, as desired, about the tubular hub `which is common to both the disk 11 and gear Wheel lll. lf desired, a spacing Washer 24 may be positioned intermediate the carrying plate 2O and gear Wheel 11b. A spacing Washer may also be provided intermediate the lower end of the hub of disk 11 and the adjacent seat of post 10, as shown.

Depending from the under side of plate 21, at a point near its periphery, is a pin or dog 21a, the relation thereof with respect to the pinion 16b being such that upon each complete rotation of disk 12 said dog or pin will engage the pinion 18h, effecting partial rotation thereof. This movement is transmit-ted through shaft 18.and pinion 18% to gear Wheel 11b, turning disk 11 one degree, or a distance corresponding to the space between the perforations 11a therein. Hence, it will be seen that with this arrangement each complete rotation of the disk 12 will correspond with one inch, which Will be indicated at the sight opening 13a through the advancement of the disk 11 one degree, as just described.

By reason of the construction and arrangement of parte in my prior patented machine the fraction and integer disks are only capable of rotation in one direction, as above set out. This Was primarily dueto the particular 'type of carrying mechanism employed .in this earlier machine. ln the present construction, however, as Will be appreciated from the above description, the disks 11 and 12 are capable of rotation in either direction, and as will also be obvious the carrying mechanism Will function equally Well regardless of the direction of rotation, that is, it will subtract as Well as add, by simply reversing the direction of rotation.

t is evident that when adding or substracting integers the shaft 18, together with its pinions 18*l and 18h, must turn freely and must not interfere with the pin or dog 21a, because this would disturb the fractional Such interference is avoided in the present construction by positioning the shaft i8 in such Wise that the pinion 18b is spaced radially from the post 1()h a considerably greater distance than the pinion 18a. Thus, in turning one division or step, both disks being concentric and With the same number of notches, the length of the. arc movement of the pin or dog 21a for one division is sufficiently greater than the length of the. arc of movement of rear Wheel 11b to cause the pin or dog 21a to stand clear of the pinion 18h, While the pinion 13 remains in mesh with said gear Wheel. ln brief, the ,arrangement is such that the pin or dog 21a will not engage the pinion 18', except attbi@ completion of one complete revolution of disk 12, said dog or pin standing clear of said pinion 18b at all other times. The gear Wheels 11b and 12b are identical in construction` but the Wheel 11b only, acting in conjunction with the pinion 18a, acts as a real gear. The teeth on the upper gear Wheel 12b are used only for centering and retaining purposes, as will be hereinafter pointed out.

Hinged at the upper rear edge of the casing 10, by means of the hinge pin 25a, is a substantially circular plate 25, Which in operative position lits down over the plate 16, said plate being provided with a central opening corresponding to the central opening provided in the plate 16, and With a sight opening 25b corresponding to the sight opening 16h in saidplate 16, said plate 25 being also provided with a notch 25c corresponding to the notch 16l provided in the plate 16. When the plate 25 is in operative position, as shown in Fig. 1, the notch 25c and sight opening 25b register exactly with the corresponding notch and opening in the plate 16. The free end 25d of the plate 25 is formed with a plurality of lips 25e, Which are adapted when said plate is moved into operative position to snap under the tivo upper curled ends .26a of the inner side of the spring-retaining element 26, the latter being substantiallyv U-shaped and secured in operative position midway within the groove 10 of the casing. Thus, the plate 25 is releasably held in position. Provided on the upper side of this plate are graduations which are positioned for cooperation With the perforations 11a and 12a in the disks 11 and 12. Said graduations indicate fractions of inches when employed in conjunction With the perforations 12a, the fractional indications corresponding with those arranged upon the disk 1'2, although expressed slightly different, denominators Which are sixty-fourths of inches being omitted. rlhis `arrangement, however, will be understood by the operator of the device in using the same. Such an arrangement is adopted, since these graduations are employed in conjunction also with the perforations 11'6L in dealing with Whole inches or i* tegers, as Will be readily understood.

In the employment of the deviceJ for add ing purposes, the fractions indicated upon the plate 25 serve as a` guide or inde, in the engagement of the stylus employed si junction with th@J device with the pc i tions 11a and 12a. Before commencing the adding operation, the disks 11 and 12 are so pgsitioned that Zero will appear through both openings 25b and 13a, the perforations 12Z and 11-, opposite the zero indicatie* upon said disks, being distinctively mari d as at a and b for this purpose. This being done the operating tool or stylus is successively inserted into the perforations 11a or 122, corresponding with the fractions or integers which it is desired to add, and in each case the disk engaged is rotated in a counter clockwise direction until the tool contacts with the stop arm 17.v T he sum or total of the fractions at the end of the operation will be displayed at. the openings 18a and 25h, the integers or whole inches being displayed at the former and the fractions of inches at the latter, as will be readily understood.

As previously described, the stop arm 17 extends across the annular opening 15 and into the notch 16a provided in the plate 16. The end of the arm 17 is so formed as to lie also within the notch 25c in the plate 25, this notch, as previously pointed out, being of the same design and size as the notch 16a and corresponding or registering exactly therewith when the plate is in operative position. A wire spring 17b lies beneath the stop arm 17 and coacts therewith to maintain said arm normally in the position shown in Fig. 1, and as the disks are rotated in a counter clockwise direction when the device is employed for adding purposes, this normal position of the arm serves to define or limit movement in this direction for adjusting the disks to zero positions and in subsequent adjustments thereof in adding. When the disks are rotated in a clockwise direction, however, the stop arm 17 is moved, upon engagement therewith by the operating stylus, to a position against the opposite end wall of the notch or notches, so as to permit of said disks reaching their zero positions by rotation in this direction also.

1n the employment of the device for subtracting purposes the disk 12 is so adjusted as to indicate the fraction from which it is desired to subtract at the sight opening 251. The top or addition plate 25 is then raised on its hinge 25a so as to expose the top surface of the plate 16, which is the plate employed when the device is used for subtracting. This plate is also graduated, these graduations being identical with those arranged upon the upper side of the addition plate 25, but being arranged in reverse order or in a counter clockwise direction in order to adapt the device for use in subtracting. The fraction from which it is desired to subtract being now exposed in opening 16h, lthe perforation 12a in the disk 12, corresponding with the fraction which it is desired to subtract from that exposed at the opening 1Gb, is engaged by the styl'us, and the disk is rotajted in a clockwise direction, or in a direction reverse to that employed during adding operations, the resulting fraction being exposed at said opening 161. As previously pointed out, the carrying mechanism in the present construction functions equally well in subtracting, operating to subtract one from the integer disk at the proper time.

The disks 11 and 12being superimposed,

in the adjustment of one. there might be a tendency for the other to move with the first by reason of the frictional contact between the same. In order to prevent such movement of either of said disks on adjustment of the other and to ensure accurate results being obtained by the use of the device, re-

taining and alining mechanism, coactin with the gears 11b and 12b, is provide This mechanism comprises a plurality of pawls 27 and 28 pivoted on suitable upstanding posts 27a and 28a, respectively, these posts being formed upon Jthe bottom 10a of the casing 10 and within the circular depression 10e. These pawls at their ends are so formed as to overlap, the pawl 28 engaging the integer gear wheel 11b and the pawl 27 engaging the fraction gear wheel 12b, as clearly shown'in Fig. 2. A coil spring 29 connects the pawls 27 and 28, the normal tendency of said spring being to cause said pawls to engage the peripheries of their respective gears and thus hold them in proper spacing and alinement and against accidental displacement. As will beappreciated. the engaging ends of the pawls are so formed and saidpawls so mounted as to permit of adjusting the fraction and integer disks in either direction, said pawls during such operation merely snapping from one notch to the other in their respective gears.

An important feature of the present construction concerns the relation of these pawls and their respective gears, in' conjunction with the carrying or transfer mechanism, whereby each time the carrying mechanism operates to transfer an integer to the integer disk,l in either a subtracting or adding operation, the pawl 28, which coacts with the integer gear whee 11,, is automatically moved out of engage- -ment with said gear wheel, thus taking the load of the pawl and spring pressure off the latter, and thereby greatly easing the operation and eliminating practically all shock and strain which would otherwise be imposed upon the mechanism during a carrying operation. This is accomplished by a tooth 20 which projects from the periphery of the carrying plate 20, said tooth in practice being positioned immediately beneath one of the teeth of the gear wheel 12'D in such wise that the same is practically a vertical extension of the latter. The pawl 28 is so mounted that its engaging end eX- tcnds upwardly a sutlicient distance to be also in the path of this tooth 20a. 1n the act oi carrying` this tooth acts to move the pawl out of engagement with the integer gear wheel 11b, so that the carrying mechanism may function in rotating the integer disk one notch free of the strain and pressure normally imposed upon the integer gear wheel. Obviously, the tooth is so positioned with reference to the disks as. to function only during a transfer or carrying operation.

A suitable cover 30 for the device is provided, said cover being hinged along the upper edge of the rear vv-all ot' the casing on the sameliinge pin 25a to which the addition plate 25 is hinged. The free end of the cover is provided with a plurality of overturned lips 30a adapted to snap under the two coiled ends 2Gb of the spring member 26. ln this manner the cover is releasably,

held in closed position. A push button 3l is mounted in a suitable aperture in the front Wall ot the casing for releasing the cover when it is desired to raise the same. A depression 30h is provided in the top face ot the cover, and in this depression is placed a suitable reference card or plate for use in connection with the operation of the device. Another such plate is also secured against the under side ot the cover, both plates being held in position by suitable retaining means 30. Finger openings 16c are provided in the substraction plate 16, corresponding With the finger grooves l0g in the base of the device, in order to permit the user to readily remove the operating instrument or stylus out of its groove l0.

It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible ot various changes and modifications, and accordingly it is not desired to limit the same to the particular form, construction, or arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, except Where limitations appear in the appended claims.

I claim:

l. ln a calculating machine` a plurality of rotatably mounted disks. and transfer means operatively connecting said disks. said transfer means being so constructed as to tura one of said disks through a traction of a rotation upon each complete rotation in either direction of the other ot said disks ivhile permitting the former to be rotated independently of the latter.

2. ln a calculating machine. a plurality ot concentric rotatably mounted disks. transfer means operatively connecting said disks. ivliereb)7 upon complete rotation ot' one of said disks in either direction the other ot said disks vvill be turned through a traction of a rotation. centering and retaining means coacting with said disks to prevent accidental displacement thereof. and means tor rendering said last-named means inoperative during each transfer operation.

3. In a calculating machine. a plurality ot superimposed disks. a gear wheel carrier b v each ot` said disks. spring-pressed pau'ls coacting vvith said gear vvheels to prevent accidental displacement thereot but permitting actuation thereof in either direction. a transfer element engaging one ot said gear wheels and being positioned tor a periodic.

engagement by a member carried by the disk of the other of said gear wheels tor stepping said lirst gear Wheel and its disk a distance of one tooth upon each.' complete rotation ot said member-carrying disk, and means associated with the gear of said member-carrying disk :tor rendering the pawl ot the other gear inoperative upon engagement ot said member vvith said transfer element.

i. In a calculating machine. a plurality ot superimposed disks, a gear vvheel carried by each of said disks. spring-pressed paivls coacting with said gear Wheels to prevent accidental displacement t-hereot, a transfer element engaging one ot' said gear wheels and being positioned for periodic engagement by a member carried by the disk of the other of said gear Wheels for stepping said first gear Wheel and its disk a distant-e ot' one tooth upon each complete rotation of said member-carrying disk. and means associated with the gear ot said membercarrying disk for rendering the pavvl ot the other gears inoperative upon engagement ot' said member with said transfer element. said means comprising a plat-e having a single tooth thereon so positioned as to engage said pawl each time said member engages said element.

5. In a calculating machine. a plurality of concentric rotatably mounted perforated disks, transiter means operatively connecting said disks. whereby upon complete rotation of one of said-disks in either direction the other ot' said disks will be turned a traction of a rotation, said disks being operable by engagement ot a tool within the perforations thereof, and a stop engageable by said tool during rotation ot' said disks. said stop being movable by said tool a predetermined distance upon rotation oie-said disks in one direction and being immovable thereby upon reverse rotation ot said disks.

6. n a calculating machine. a plurality of concentric rotatably mounted perforated disks. transfer means operatively connecting said disks, wherebyrv upon complete rotation ot' one of said disks in either direction the other of said disks will be turned a traction ot a rotation. said disks being operable by engagement of a tool vvithin thc perforations thereof. a stop engageabie b v said tool during rotation ot said disks. said stop being movable by said tool`a predetermined distance upon rotationot said disks in one direction and heilig immovable thereby upon reverse rotation ot said disks. and a notched graduated plate adapted tor cooperation vvith said disks. said stop engaging the notch ot' said plate and being limited in its movements thereby.

T. in a machine for adding or subtracting. a plurality of rotatable superimposed disks. a graduated plate adapted for coo )eration vvith said disks and being provided with a circular opening, a circular plate of less diameter fitting concentrically within said opening so as to form an annular opening through which portions of said disks are accessible; said portions being engageable by a tool for rotating said disks in one direction when adding and in the reverse direc- -tion when subtracting, and a sto arm carried by said circular plate an spanning said annular opening for coaction with said tool, said arm being movable within predetermined limits to accommodate both operations of addition and subtraction. A

8. In a calculating machine, a plurality ef rotatable `superimposed disks, a graduated plate adapted for cooperation with said disks and provided with a circular opening, a circular plate of less diameter fitting concentrically within said opening so as to form an annular opening through which portions of said disks are accessible, said portions being engagevable by a tool for rotating said disks, a movable stop arm carried by said circular plate and spanning said annular opening, said graduated plate being provided with means for limiting the movements of said arm, and means for normally maintaining said arm in one of its limits of movement.

9. In a calculating machine, a plurality of concentric rotatably mounted disks, transfer means operatively connecting said disks, whereby upon complete rotation of one of said disks in either direction the other of said disks will be turned through a fraction of a rotation, said transfer means comprising a gear carried by one of said disks, an operating member carried by the other of said disks, and a pinion mounted on a transverse axis with respect to said gear and meshing with the latter at one end and engageab e by said operating memberv at its other end.

10. In a calculating machine, a plurality of concentric rotatably mounted disks, transfer means operatively connecting said disks, whereby upon complete rotation of one of said disks in either direction the other of said disks will be turned through a fraction of rotation, said transfer means comprising a gear carried by'one of said disks,

an operating member carried by the other a greater distance from the axis of rotation of said disks than the other end of said pinion to ensure against premature engagement between the latter and said operating member.

1l. In a calculating machine, a plurality of superimposed disks, a gear Wheel carried by each of said disks, spring-pressed pawls coacting with said gear wheels to prevent accidental displacement thereof but permitting actuation thereof in either direction, and a transfer element engaging one of said gear wheels and being positioned for periodic engagement by a member carried by the disk of the other of said gear Wheels for stepping said rst gear wheel and its disk va distance of one tooth upon each complete rotation of said member-carrying disk.

'12. In an adding andisubtracting machine, a plurality of indicia carrying rotatable superimposed stylus-operated disks, and superimposed graduated plates mountedI above said disks and adapted to be read yin conjunction with the latter, one when adding and the other when subtracting, said disks being movable in one direction when adding and in the reverse direction when subtracting.

13. In an adding and subtracting machine, a plurality of indicia carrying rotatable superimposed stylus-operated disks, superimposed graduated plates mounted above said disks and adapted to be read in con junction with the latter, one when adding and the other when subtracting, said disks being movable in one direction when adding and in the reverse direction when subtracting, and integer carrying means connecting said disks and functioning in either operation. l

In testimony whereof, I have subscribed my name. Y WILLIAM H. SMITH. 

